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Saban hasn't seen much of Coker since coaches may not work out with the players during the summer due to NCAA rule.

While Coker possesses strong credentials out of St. Paul's Episcopal in Mobile, he didn't play much for the Seminoles the last three seasons. And he spent most of this year recovering from a knee surgery.

Combine those things and Saban isn't willing to put all his hope in one person without seeing him on the Alabama practice field. Expect any starting quarterback decision to come the week of the first game after a thorough look at Coker in training camp.

Saban also liked how senior Blake Sims developed during spring practice and came out as the leader of the position group. Redshirt freshman Cooper Bateman showed well in the spring game and may be the future of the program.

"Jacob is an older guy and has some maturity than the other guys in terms of his knowledge and experience," Saban said "It's going to be a challenge for him to not only learn the offense and terminology and become someone who tries to affect his teammates in a positive way. He has the right personality to do it. We are excited to work with him."

2. Can the defense stop the fast-paced spread offense?

This question will come up continually until the Crimson Tide can show it can stop the fast-paced offense at a high level that rival Auburn used to win the SEC title and reach the national title game.

Saban tried to bring in more speed at the linebacker and defensive line position to help track down the misdirection running attack.

Many younger players will be able to show their worth early with the defense being rebuilt. At the same time, the lack of experience could be a problem.

"We are a whole new group of guys," linebacker Trey DePriest said. "This year's team is buying in and doing what we have to do, so we can get back to where we need to be."

3. How will new offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin run the offense?

Kiffin only installed a small portion of his offense in the spring, so the rest of the play book will be opened during training camp. Players and Saban liked how Kiffin operated so far.

He used a methodical approach in teaching, but now the pace will be picking up with the season opener looming.

Kiffin must also develop the next quarterback, whoever that may be. If it ends up being Coker, there's only a month of practice to get him ready. So the pressure is on.

4. Can the defense rebuild again with five starters gone and both cornerback spots open?

This is the most tangible issue for the team. Alabama stockpiled four and five star athletes, so that's a great place to start.

First-round NFL draft pick C.J. Mosley is gone, so his leadership and production burden falls to DePriest. He's been groomed for this, but must step up this year.

Finding reliable cornerbacks was an problem last year. The young group is a year older and new impact players such as Tony Brown are in the mix.

"I think the team's character and attitude in how they go about that, the work ethic you have, certainly goes a long way in determining how your team is doing," Saban said. "I've been pleased and happy with how our team has gone through the offseason program, spring practice and the way they've gone about it to this point. Hopefully, we'll continue that through the summer."

5. The bottom line is, can the program bounce back from a disappointing 11-2 season?

While nearly every other team in the country would love an 11-2 season with a trip to the Sugar Bowl, the Crimson Tide expected to be in the national title game last season.

The season ended with two straight losses, one in heartbreaking fashion in the Iron Bowl.

Saban's worry early on was complacency by his veteran group and he couldn't stop the epidemic that spread to the younger players.

We'll have to see if the Crimson Tide has recovered and can return to Saban's hard-nosed approach that wins championships?

"My goal as a coach is to get our guys to play the best football they can on a consistent basis," Saban said. "That's what our goal will be with this team."